I watch in awe the way she lights up as she talks about fashion. It’s the same way I felt when I was in college, spending my hours discussing history. I’m good at what I do, and I don’t regret taking over my father’s company, but listening to the passion in her voice reminds me of what I’m missing by not following my own dreams.
“Who’s your mom?” Noah asks. “Do I know her?”
Camilla’s face falls. “Probably not. She died from brain cancer when I was nine. Her name was Charlene Jennings, but once she married my dad, she became Charlene Hutchinson.”
I can see when the name clicks for Noah, his eyes meeting mine, silently asking if I know who I have sitting at my table. Everyone in the business world knows about Daniel Hutchinson, and how quickly he went from being one of the top real estate moguls on the west coast to being a name people only whisper about. I nod subtly, making it clear I know and not to say a word. I can tell through his gaze what he’s thinking, she’s out for my money. She’s broke and is using me to fill her bank account while gaining back some of her family’s status. But I don’t believe it for a second, and nothing he says will convince me otherwise.
“I’ve never heard of her,” he says. “And I’m sorry for your loss. I too lost my mother.”
“I’m sorry,” she says, her voice filled with remorse.
“So school and then opening a boutique, huh?” he says, switching gears. He comes across nonchalant, but I can tell he’s about to dig now that he knows who she’s related to. “Those are some lofty goals.”
“They’re more like dreams,” she admits softly.
“What’s the difference?” he asks.
“Goals are attainable. They have a deadline. Dreams are simply fantasies that give you hope for the future, that one day you’ll be able to turn into a goal.”
Her words leave him momentarily speechless as he looks at her, trying to figure her out. But before he can question her anymore, I steer the conversation in another direction. “Do you have any plans for your birthday next weekend?”
She turns her attention on me. “Only to visit my dad, but aside from that, I’m free.”
“Good. Don’t make plans. I want to take you to Monte Carlo. You can invite Yasmin, if you wish.”
“Oh, you don’t have to—”
“Nonsense. You only turn twenty-one once and going gambling is like a rite of passage.”
“In Monte Carlo?” She laughs. “You realize we live like right next to Vegas.”
Noah snorts. “Vegas is where you go to get wasted and hook up with whores. It’s not where you take your girlfriend for her birthday.” He shivers in mock disgust. “I’m pretty sure you’re liable to get an STD from simply walking on the strip.”
I laugh at what a snob my best friend is. When I met him, he was broke and the neighborhood he lived in looked like one giant STD. Now he’s too good for Vegas. Not that he’s wrong… it’s just funny to hear him speak like that.
“Camilla,” he says, standing and picking up his plate. “The food was delicious. I can’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal. Feel free to invite me over for dinner anytime.” He winks playfully and she blushes.
“Please leave it,” she says, taking it from him. “I’ll take care of the dishes.”
“Well, in that case, I’m going to roll my fat ass home. I’ll see you in the morning.” He pats my shoulder and then kisses Camilla on the cheek. “It was good to meet you.”
He takes off, leaving Camilla and me alone. Bringing the dishes up to the sink, we work together to rinse them off and put them into the dishwasher. While we’re washing them, a song comes on that I recognize, making me stop in my place.
“What’s wrong?” Camilla asks.
“Will you dance with me?”
“What?” She laughs in confusion.
“Dance with me.” I grab the plate she’s holding and set it on the counter, then guide us into the living room, where it’s easier to hear the music. Once we’re in the center of the room, I lace her fingers with mine and bring them up to my chest, wrapping my other arm around her waist and pulling her close to me.
“This was the song my parents danced to the day they renewed their vows,” I murmur, locking eyes with her. “I can still remember watching them dance in the middle of the dance floor, completely head over heels in love.”
Camilla smiles softly and then rests her head against my chest. “I like dancing with you. In your arms, I feel safe.”
“Good, I want you to—”
“Hey, Isaac.” She cuts me off, popping her head back up and breaking our contact. “Is that your marina… on fire?”